Rooted in Bermeo and looking to expand, the initiative strengthens collaboration with Bermeo’s hospitality sector and promotes a year-round gastronomic offering linked to sustainable tuna and albacore tuna and the town’s seafaring identity
Bermeo Tuna has presented its new Hospitality Network, “Bermeo Tuna Lagunak”, at Kafe Antzokia in Bermeo. The network begins its journey with 17 member establishments. The initiative aims to establish an ongoing partnership with the hospitality sector, encourage the consumption of sustainable tuna and albacore tuna, and strengthen Bermeo’s gastronomic identity. The project was born in Bermeo, a place closely connected to the history of tuna, but its ambitions extend beyond its place of origin: it aims to grow and progressively bring in establishments and stakeholders from other towns, territories and countries that share a commitment to the culture of sustainable tuna and albacore tuna.
Working together to bring the product closer to the public
The creation of this network builds on the work carried out by Bermeo Tuna through the Gastrotuna project and marks another step towards promoting sustainability throughout the tuna value chain, from fishing and processing to marketing and consumption. Along this journey, bars and restaurants play a key role: they are the direct link with consumers and an ideal setting in which to introduce the product, its origin and all the knowledge behind it.
Member establishments undertake to offer sustainable tuna and/or albacore tuna throughout the year, either as a dish or a pintxo. In this way, the network aims to ensure that these products feature regularly in hospitality venues and to turn every gastronomic experience into an opportunity to discover their qualities, their origin, and the people and activities that make it possible for them to reach the table.
The partnership will also make it possible to share information and training on sustainability and traceability, promote gastronomic and promotional activities, and raise the profile of participating establishments. In turn, the venues undertake to take part in joint initiatives, give priority to recommended suppliers, and help communicate values such as respect for the product, care for the ocean, quality, innovation and scientific knowledge. Through these experiences, Bermeo Tuna aims to spark interest, build connections and foster an informed public committed to defending the culture of sustainable tuna and albacore tuna. This approach can be summed up in one idea: “Bermeoko erara” — rooted in Bermeo, with an outlook open to the world.
17 establishments, one shared identity
The network starts with 17 establishments: Alakrana Bermeo, Almiketxu Jatetxea, Akelarre, Artza Frontoiko Taberna, Bermeoko Kafe Antzokia, Cannon Jatetxea, Eguzki, Etxepe, Fruniz, Joshe Mari Taberna, Kai Alde, Lauko, Leku Erretegia, Oker, Rola, Toki Alai and Zubigane Taberna. This first community is the starting point for a project that aims to connect experiences and welcome new members from beyond Bermeo, Bizkaia and the Basque Country.
The event also saw the presentation of Bermeo Tuna Lagunak’s own identity, which includes a logo and distinctive elements such as identification plaques and personalised jackets. These elements will make it possible to recognise the establishments that belong to the network and share its commitment to gastronomy linked to sustainable tuna and albacore tuna.
Bermeo Tuna Lagunak has been created with a long-term vision and the ambition to grow, and is open to welcoming new establishments that will extend the network beyond Bermeo, Bizkaia and the Basque Country. Although it originates in Bermeo and draws on a local identity and experience, its aim is to expand beyond Bermeo, Bizkaia and the Basque Country, bringing together establishments and partners elsewhere that share this vision. Its members will be ambassadors for a gastronomic culture that connects fishing heritage with people, skilled trades, innovation, quality and sustainability.
A network with an international outlook at Bermeo Tuna Forum 2027
The collaboration fostered through Bermeo Tuna Lagunak will continue and gain visibility at Bermeo Tuna Forum 2027. The network and its member establishments will be present at this international gathering, helping to show how an initiative rooted in a local reality can connect with other communities and reach a global audience. Their participation will introduce institutional representatives, professionals and visitors to the culture of sustainable tuna and albacore tuna, highlighting the people, skilled trades and innovation that underpin the entire value chain.
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